Language

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National education system and private associations provide different options to foreign citizens living in Italy to attend free courses to learn the Italian language.

The Permanent Territorial Centres for Education and Training in Adult Age are public institutions, in which state teachers operate, also supported – according to the different needs – by experts and external collaborators, to provide cultural, educational and training activities to adults.

The Italian language courses of the Permanent Territorial Centres for Education and Training also include civic education information concerning citizens’ rights and duties.

All foreign nationals aged at least 16 may attend CTP courses. At the end of the course, a certificate on the knowledge of the Italian language is received.

It is also possible to receive an Italian language certificate by attending a free Italian for foreigners course within an association that signed suitable agreements with one of the four Certifying Authorities recognised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the Ministry of Education (University for Foreigners of Perugia – CELI Certification, University for Foreigners of Siena –CILS Certification, University of Roma Tre- IT Certification, Società Dante Alighieri- PLIDA Certification) or with a Permanent Territorial Centre (CTP).

The Italian language certificate complies with the classification on the level of knowledge of Italian falling within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) (http://www.clifu.unito.it/QCER.pdf ).

Knowledge on the Italian language and EC permit for long-term resident

According to Law no. 94/2009 (Provisions on Public Security), in order to receive the EC residence permit for long-term residents foreigners shall also show they know the Italian language.

The minimum level of knowledge of the Italian language required for obtaining the EC long-term residence permit corresponds to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages approved by the Council of Europe.

The knowledge of Italian as corresponding to level A2 may be shown in different ways:

- Through a certification of level A2 knowledge of Italian issued by one of the four Certifying Authorities recognised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the Ministry of Education (University for Foreigners of Perugia, University for Foreigners of Siena, University of Roma Tre, Società Dante Alighieri);

- Through an education degree obtained in Italy (Junior High School degree, High School degree, Graduation);

- Showing that an educational course is being attended at an Italian university - being it either public or legally recognised – a PhD course or a university master course;

- Attending or showing of having attended an Italian language course within a Permanent Territorial Centre (CTP), at the end of which a title is issued certifying the knowledge of the Italian language at a level of at least A2 of the CEFR.

- Recognition of the level of knowledge of the Italian language of at least level A2 in the framework of the credits received under the Integration Agreement;

- Certification witnessing that the entry to Italy occurred under art 27 on Immigration to perform one of the following activities: company manager of skilled personnel, university professor, translator or interpreter, journalist or mass-media employee.

- Passing the test on the knowledge of the Italian language at a level A2.

Therefore, failing a certification on the Italian language, in order to obtain the EC permit for long-term residents, a test shall be passed within one of the Permanent Territorial Centres (CTP)

In order to apply for the participation in the test on the knowledge of the Italian language, it is necessary to access the website https://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/index2.jsp, performing the registration and accessing the section “Reserved Area”. The registration is free of charge, and needs a valid e-mail addressed in order to be performed. Support in filing the application is provided by aid societies.

Frthermore, the test is not necessary in case the EC permit is applied:

- for minors aged less than 14;

- by subjects affected by severe language learning limitations, certified by means of a certification issued by an healthcare facility.

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Knowledge of the Italian language and integration agreement

The regulation on the Integration Agreement was enforced on 10th March 2012. As from such date, non-EU citizens applying for a residence permit with a duration exceeding one year shall sign an agreement with the Italian State.

By signing such Agreement, foreign nationals undertake to achieve specific integration objectives during the period of validity of their residence permit, and the State undertakes to support foreigners’ integration process through the adoption of any suitable initiative in agreement with Regional Governments and Local Authorities.

In particular, as stated in the text of the agreement , foreign nationals undertake to acquire a knowledge of the spoken Italian language equal to at least level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, issued by the Council of Europe.

Through the signing of the Agreement, 16 initial credits are granted. The confirmation of these 16 credits takes place following the attendance of a free-of-charge session on civic training and information on the life in Italy, held at the Prefectures’ One-Stop-Shops for Immigration. On such occasion, information is also received on the “initiatives supporting the integration process” (as for instance free Italian language courses) adopted in the Province.

According to the Agreement, foreigners shall obtain 30 credits within two years.

Credits can be obtained through the acquisition of specific knowledge (Italian language, civic culture and civil life in Italy) and the performance of some activities, such as Italian language courses within the Permanent Territorial Centres (CTP). The certificate obtained at the end of these courses:

- Is valid to the purpose of obtaining the score needed for the integration Agreement (Framework Agreement of 7 August 2012)

One month before the expiration of the Agreement, the One-Stop-Shop begins the evaluation procedure and informs foreign citizens. 15 days within such communication, it is necessary to produce the necessary documents to obtain the recognition of credits, including the certification relating to the obligation of providing education to minor children, and the obligation on the knowledge of the Italian language on at least level A2.

Failing the necessary documents, foreign nationals may perform a free of charge test to assess their knowledge of the Italian language, the civic culture and civil life in Italy.